Thanks for applying, what will happen next?
When someone finds a stray dog, there is a process before this dog can become a Calpaws dog.
Why can't I surrender this dog to Calpaws?
We are a small all-volunteer organization with no shelter or sanctuary. Our foster homes are typically full. Our rescue is focussed on German Shepherds but not necessarily pure breds.
How long does this take?
There are so many dogs in need right now that's hard to say. For dogs who are well adapted, easy going, and can meet other dogs, it is much easier. We typically don't have the resources to "reprogram" dogs. We are experts in medical conditions and can assess the needs. Vet costs are very high these days.
However, we need to go through a process first:
1. Due diligence
- Please check the area where the dog was found for "Lost dog" flyers.
- Please check social media such as Nextdoor for lost dog and post the dog there.
- Take the dog to a vet or local shelter for checking the chip. It is not uncommon that the dog has a chip but the owner does not respond or does not want the dog back.
- if you can not keep the dog, take the dog to the shelter, it is still its best chance. Note down the shelter ID assigned.
- If you are willing to care for the dog for now, ask the shelter to post the dog on their website "Lost and Found".
2. Establishing ownership.
Each county has its own rules, typically "due diligence for 10 to 30 days" before you become the owner of the dog. You can speed this up by leaving the dog for up to 5 days which makes the shelter the owner, You can then pull the dog and you are the owner. Please complete the form if you need Calpaws help with pulling the dog or would prefer that Calpaws pulls the dog. Some shelters may allow the 5 day holding period at your home.
3. Evaluation
Before a dog can become a Calpaws dog, it needs to be evaluated by an experienced volunteer and its adoptability assessed, also medical needs.
If the dog passes the evaluation, we would like you to foster the dog and fill out the Foster form.
3. Fostering
Calpaws has many fosters but typically not available on short notice and dogs that are on the euthanasia lists are always the highest priority.
If the dog becomes a Calpaws dog fostered by you, we will provide supplies, we will screen adopters and set up meetings, see our Foster page.
4. What can I do to help with making my dog more adoptable?
House train your dog if needed, work on basic leash skills, and make sure your dog has a chance to meet people and other dogs, vetting should be current, spay or neuter is important. If you can not do these things, we can connect you with places that can help.
Create Account or Log In:
Creating an account or logging in via facebook/email will let you save your application, and allow you to access your pets medical records and other important information after you adopt or foster.